Well this was the first time we tried planning a field trip without setting a date but we knew the Woodcocks would be around sometime in March. Laura Weidner and Liam McGranaghan led this trip and this report from March is below. It was a great display!
From Laura:
After a few cool and windy evenings of scouting, Liam and I found a great spot for Woodcocks in Loudoun Co. There were about 8-10 different birds “peenting” the first night we came upon them. Then the rain moved in for a few days. The rain didn’t seem to affect them at all.
Monday, March 15th we ran out to do one more night of scouting (just to make sure they were still around). Late Monday night I emailed everyone signed up for the first group and we met Tuesday pm and 13 of us carpooled out to the location.
Like clock work~ 7:45 we heard the first “peent”. We had only a few display flights and due to the “clear sky” it was hard to follow them. All in all, we had about 6 woodcocks “peenting”.
Wednesday night we met the next group and 12 of us went out. What a difference a day makes! This time we only heard 4 but WOW- the display flights were awesome! Right over head. What a great adventure.
On a sad note~ the location we found them has been closed off and it looks like construction is going to begin soon. If you have a location where you found woodcocks this year please let me know. We will have to find a new location for next years outing.
Thanks to all those who joined us and we look forward to doing this again!
Peace,
Laura Weidner & Liam McGranaghan